This property has a documented history as a public works and maintenance facility going back to 1956. Historical insurance policies issued during those prior operations and through 1986 could fund a cleanup — and recover costs already spent.

Why Historical Insurance Policies May Be Accessible

Pre-1986 Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies were occurrence-based and did not contain an effective pollution exclusion in Washington. If contamination occurred while those policies were active, those historical insurance carriers may still have a legal obligation to fund the cleanup costs, even if the business closed or the property changed hands.

Fuel storage at this ranger station began as early as 1956 — three decades before occurrence-based Commercial General Liability policies ceased reliably covering pollution claims. The underground storage tanks holding gasoline and diesel at this federal facility were in continuous service through that pre-1986 window, creating the conditions for the petroleum releases that triggered cleanup. Historical carriers whose CGL policies were in effect during those decades of tank operation may be obligated both to recover remediation costs already incurred and to fund the cleanup work that remains ahead.

Restorical's role is to locate viable historical policies, determine whether a successful coverage claim is possible, and assist our clients and their legal counsel to obtain insurance coverage. Restorical then manages the claim, including accounting, to ensure the cleanup is funded in a timely manner.